herablassend
condescending
So, dass man andere spüren lässt, dass man sich für besser oder wichtiger hält.
Definition & meaning
Herablassend means condescending or patronizing: speaking or behaving as though you are superior to someone else. It often describes a tone that treats another person as less capable, knowledgeable, or important.
Depending on context, it can also mean disdainful or supercilious.
Grammar & word origin
Herablassend is an adjective and can also be used adverbially. It is the present participle of herablassen , used in the expression sich herablassen , meaning “to deign” or “to condescend to do something.” The word is formed from herab (“down”) and lassen (“to let”); its figurative sense suggests someone behaving as if they were lowering themselves to engage with another person.
Synonyms & antonyms
- gönnerhaft — patronizing in a self-satisfied, “generous superior” way; often implies that the person acts as though they are doing someone a favor.
- überheblich — arrogant or conceited; focuses more on an inflated sense of one’s own importance.
- arrogant — openly proud and dismissive of others; broader than herablassend, which specifically emphasizes treating others as inferior.
- respektvoll — respectful; an antonym emphasizing consideration for others.
- auf Augenhöhe — on equal terms; the opposite attitude of treating someone as inferior.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Sei nicht so herablassend zu mir.adjective
Don't be so condescending to me.
Sein herablassender Ton ärgert die anderen Gäste.adjective
His condescending tone annoys the other guests.
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